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KNOW THE FIELD OF JOURNALISM BEFORE TAKING A "SHOT" AT WHITE HOUSE PRESS
By Mona Austin Within the last 3 months I have been contacted by two talented photographers who want access to the White House. They both have professional experience and good work. But neither is a photojournalist and it shows. It is evident to me that they are not well versed in the jargon or ways of the field. The White House press corps is made up of members of the working press. Just like press and media are not equivalent, there is a difference between the style and editorial or artistic expression of a wedding photographer or someone who specializes in portraits. Photojournalism is a unique discipline and course of study that engages a specific skill set beyond taking nice shots. Having a portfolio of great, high profile shots does not mean you are ready to meet demanding filing deadlines or tell an accurate story with a caption. This makes a difference in THE WORK and how one functions within the unwritten rules of the field. The White House I found it interesting that the individuals who contacted me thought a phone call and some pictures of celebrities was all it would take to open the door. Getting there and working over two full presidential terms was certainly not that simple for me. Perhaps they are aware that some of the photographers and so-called journalists at the White House were brought on by friends, while gossip sites and influencers have also covered at 1600 Pennsylvania. I used to think of the White House as the pinnacle for journalists. Having been taken aback by the fringe media that are allowed to participate there, I no longer do. Journalism -- print, visual and broadcast -- has become diminished even at that highly coveted perch because (in part) some start ups have been given opportunities and social media has people thinking journalism is something that EVERYONE can do. I do not buy-in to this belief; yet, I understand the reality is that standards are changing in the field of journalism. I don't want these hopefuls to think they can get into elite press jobs by a phone call unless they can produce work that meets the standards. Being a journalist of any kind does not develop instantly. Leaders in any field must make decisions that are consistent with industry norms and their company and personal brands. Choose wisely folks!
By Mona Austin
Within the last 3 months I have been contacted by two talented photographers who want access to the White House. They both have professional experience and good work. But neither is a photojournalist and it shows. It is evident to me that they are not well versed in the jargon or ways of the field. The White House press corps is made up of members of the working press. Just like press and media are not equivalent, there is a difference between the style and editorial or artistic expression of a wedding photographer or someone who specializes in portraits. Photojournalism is a unique discipline and course of study that engages a specific skill set beyond taking nice shots.
Having a portfolio of great, high profile shots does not mean you are ready to meet demanding filing deadlines or tell an accurate story with a caption. This makes a difference in THE WORK and how one functions within the unwritten rules of the field. The White House
I found it interesting that the individuals who contacted me thought a phone call and some pictures of celebrities was all it would take to open the door. Getting there and working over two full presidential terms was certainly not that simple for me. Perhaps they are aware that some of the photographers and so-called journalists at the White House were brought on by friends, while gossip sites and influencers have also covered at 1600 Pennsylvania. I used to think of the White House as the pinnacle for journalists. Having been taken aback by the fringe media that are allowed to participate there, I no longer do.
Journalism -- print, visual and broadcast -- has become diminished even at that highly coveted perch because (in part) some start ups have been given opportunities and social media has people thinking journalism is something that EVERYONE can do. I do not buy-in to this belief; yet, I understand the reality is that standards are changing in the field of journalism. I don't want these hopefuls to think they can get into elite press jobs by a phone call unless they can produce work that meets the standards. Being a journalist of any kind does not develop instantly.
Leaders in any field must make decisions that are consistent with industry norms and their company and personal brands. Choose wisely folks!